Principal Planner

Laing O'Rourke; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Laing O'Rourke is seeking a Principal / Regional Planner with a strong MEP background and NEC3 Option C experience to lead planning and scheduling across complex construction projects in the UK. The role involves coordinating programme controls, procurement planning and cost management, while mentoring planning teams to drive best practice.

You will develop and optimise contract programmes, integrate 3D/4D modelling, and deliver robust reporting for clients and internal stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in strategic planning, contract planning and project/programme controls.
• Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, procurement, design processes and project management systems.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain contract programmes and Programmes to Build.
• Commercially astute with understanding of contract conditions and programme management techniques.
• Experience analysing performance data and providing strategic recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all planning and programme control activities from tender stage through to project completion.
• Develop, maintain and optimise project programmes, ensuring compliance with contract and project requirements.
• Provide planning input into tenders, work-winning activities and construction strategies.
• Identify critical milestones, resources, risks and delays, implementing mitigation measures.
• Deliver robust project controls, reporting, forecasting and performance analysis for stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic planning

Contract planning

Project controls

Programme management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Planning software

Education

Construction Management / Civil Engineering degree

CIOB membership or equivalent

Tools

Programmes to Build

Job description

Principal / Regional Planner

We are seeking an experienced Principal / Regional Planner with a strong MEP background and proven NEC3 Option C experience to lead planning, programme controls, and project scheduling across complex construction projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all planning and programme control activities from tender stage through to project completion.
• Develop, maintain and optimise project programmes, ensuring compliance with contract and project requirements.
• Provide planning input into tenders, work-winning activities and construction strategies.
• Identify critical milestones, key production outputs, resource requirements, risks and potential delays, implementing mitigation measures where required.
• Deliver robust project controls, reporting, forecasting and performance analysis for both client and business stakeholders.
• Produce clear records of events, time-related contract information and constructive project reports.
• Coordinate programme information across clients, stakeholders, supply chain partners and project teams.
• Integrate 3D/4D modelling and planning processes to support project delivery.
• Support procurement planning, resource allocation, commissioning activities and cost management.
• Lead, mentor and develop planning teams, promoting best practice, innovation and continuous improvement.

Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience in strategic planning, contract planning and project/programme controls.
• Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, procurement, design processes and project management systems.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain contract programmes and Programmes to Build.
• Commercially astute with a strong understanding of contract conditions and programme management techniques.
• Experienced in analysing project performance data and providing strategic recommendations.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High proficiency in planning software and project management tools.

Qualifications

Desired

• Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• CIOB membership or equivalent professional accreditation.

Personal Attributes

• Technical expert with strong planning and programme management capability.
• Proactive, commercially aware and solution-focused.
• Strong leader, mentor and team player.
• Logical thinker with excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Committed to quality, accuracy, health & safety and successful project delivery.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior planning professional who can drive programme excellence, influence project strategy and lead high-performing teams on complex and challenging projects.

About Us

We are an international engineering and construction company delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia.

Certainty, reliability, quality – this is what our clients want. And at Laing O'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it. Laing O'Rourke's story is one of energy, passion, ambition, people and teamwork. We harness the power of our experience, stretching back over a century and a half to deliver certainty for our clients.

As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term health conditions and disabilities through the 'Offer an interview scheme'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position. Please let us know prior to interview what adjustments are required as well as discussing how we can support you in the workplace.

We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all.